Lithium Nucleation Research Articles

In‐Vitro Alloyable Unidimensional Polymeric Interface to Mitigate Pulverization and Dendritic Growth for Long Lifespan Lithium Metal Batteries

AbstractWith its high energy density, lithium metal battery technology encounters empirical challenges such as pulverization and dendrite growth. These can hinder the achievement of long lifespans. To address these challenges, it is important to optimize the lithium charge behavior. Here, the determination of the appropriate structural conditions and processes to prevent the accumulation of lithium ions on the lithium surface is discussed. Employing a hierarchical structure of polymeric macro/mesopores at the lithium interface, the favorable behavior of lithium ions and the reaction process is monitored. And the way of alloying process is proposed, revealing lithium ion accepted alloyable metals make to lithium‐metal intermetallic compounds. The well‐distributed alloyable metals in the unidimensional polymeric interface have sufficient capacity to accommodate and transport lithium ions. This emphasizes the need for innovative strategies to address irregular lithium nucleation and enhance lithium metal battery technology.

The Impact of Supersaturated Electrode on Heterogeneous Lithium Nucleation and Growth Dynamics.

The concept of a lithiophilic electrode proves inadequate in describing carbon-based electrode materials due to their substantial mismatch in surface energy with lithium metal. However, their notable capacity for lithium chemisorption can increase active lithium concentration required for nucleation and growth, thereby enhancing the electrochemical performance of lithium metal anodes (LMAs). In this study, we elucidate the effects of the supersaturated electrode which has high active lithium capacity around equilibrium lithium potential on LMAs through an in-depth electrochemical comparison using two distinct carbon electrode platforms with differing carbon structures but similar two-dimensional morphologies. In the supersaturated electrode, both the dynamics and thermodynamic states involved in lithium nucleation and growth mechanisms are significantly improved, particularly under continuous current supply conditions. Furthermore, the chemical structures of the solid-electrolyte-interface layers (SEIs) are greatly influenced by the elevated surface lithium concentration environment, resulting in the formation of more conductive lithium-rich SEI layers. The improved dynamics and thermodynamics of surface lithium, coupled with the formation of enhanced SEI layers, contribute to higher power capabilities, enhanced Coulombic efficiencies, and improved cycling performances of LMAs. These results provide new insight into understanding the enhancements in heterogeneous lithium nucleation and growth kinetics on the supersaturated electrode.

The Impact of Supersaturated Electrode on Heterogeneous Lithium Nucleation and Growth Dynamics

AbstractThe concept of a lithiophilic electrode proves inadequate in describing carbon‐based electrode materials due to their substantial mismatch in surface energy with lithium metal. However, their notable capacity for lithium chemisorption can increase active lithium concentration required for nucleation and growth, thereby enhancing the electrochemical performance of lithium metal anodes (LMAs). In this study, we elucidate the effects of the supersaturated electrode which has high active lithium capacity around equilibrium lithium potential on LMAs through an in‐depth electrochemical comparison using two distinct carbon electrode platforms with differing carbon structures but similar two‐dimensional morphologies. In the supersaturated electrode, both the dynamics and thermodynamic states involved in lithium nucleation and growth mechanisms are significantly improved, particularly under continuous current supply conditions. Furthermore, the chemical structures of the solid‐electrolyte‐interface layers (SEIs) are greatly influenced by the elevated surface lithium concentration environment, resulting in the formation of more conductive lithium‐rich SEI layers. The improved dynamics and thermodynamics of surface lithium, coupled with the formation of enhanced SEI layers, contribute to higher power capabilities, enhanced Coulombic efficiencies, and improved cycling performances of LMAs. These results provide new insight into understanding the enhancements in heterogeneous lithium nucleation and growth kinetics on the supersaturated electrode.

Laser-Induced Solid-Phase Strategy to Synthesize Single-Atomic Lithiophilic Sites Enabled Dendrite-Free Lithium Deposition on Graphene Matrix.

The introduction of metal Single-atom (SA) to construct lithium-philic active sites shows the ability to guide uniform lithium deposition and improve the stability of lithium hosts. Nevertheless, the development of facile and expedient methods for synthesizing SA remains a considerable challenge. Herein, The SA metal loaded on graphene (Bi@LrGO) is designed by laser-induced solid-phase strategy. The bismuth salts simultaneously decompose under the high local temperature and in the reductive atmosphere induced by laser to form SA metal. Simultaneously, graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets absorb photon energy to be reduced/graphitized into graphene, which serves as anchoring sites for Bismuth Sing-atom (Bi SA) immobilization. The SA metals, supported on the graphene not only provide sufficient lithiophilic sites but also significantly increase the adsorption energy (-2.11eV) with lithium atoms, promote the uniform nucleation and deposition of lithium, and inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites. Additionally, the layered structure of the graphene film adapts to the volume change during the repeated lithium plating/stripping process. Therefore, the symmetrical battery-based Li deposited on Bi@LrGO (Bi@LrGO@Li) achieves an ultra-long stable cycle life of ≈2400h at 1mAcm-2. In particular, a full cell with LiFePO4 cathode provides a good capacity retention of 81.2% at 4C after 600 cycles.

Reversing lithium dendrites via trigger-type carbonized ZIF-8 gradient for stable lithium metal anodes

Although metallic lithium is one of the most potential anode candidates for next-generation batteries, its applications are still restricted by several problems, especially the formation of lithium dendrites. However, insufficient emphasis has been placed on dealing with the incipient lithium dendrites. Herein, a three-dimensional insulating glass-fiber skeleton with gradient-distributed trigger-type carbonized ZIF-8 (GF-cZIF8) was developed. In this structure, plentiful conductive cZIF-8 on the collector/skeleton interface guided uniform lithium nucleation, while highly conductive and lithophilic cZIF-8 on the skeleton passivated and reversed lithium dendrites to a stable part of lithium anode when trigged by lithium dendrites. In addition, insulating glass fibers improved the homogeneity of Li ions. As a consequence, the GF-cZIF8/Cu collector exhibited a high and stable coulombic efficiency of 98 % after 280 cycles, and the GF-cZIF8-Li anode exhibited a low voltage hysteresis of 17 mV and a long cycling life up to 1100 h.

Seeding Co Atoms on Size Effect‐Enabled V2C MXene for Kinetically Boosted Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

AbstractLithium‐sulfur (Li–S) batteries are facing a multitude of challenges, mainly pertaining to the sluggish sulfur redox kinetics and rampant lithium dendrite growth on the cathode and anode side, respectively. In this sense, MXene has shown conspicuous advantages in serving as a dual‐functional promotor for Li–S batteries throughout the morphologic engineering, but still suffers from poor electrocatalytic activity and insufficient lithophilic sites. Herein, atomically dispersed Co sites are seeded onto the size effect‐enabled V2C MXene spheres (Co‐VC), leading to the generation of unique coordination configurations and rich active sites. Electrochemical tests combined with synchrotron radiation X‐ray 3D nano‐computed tomography and theoretical calculations unravel that Co‐VC with optimal coordination environments simultaneously boost sulfur reaction kinetics and lithium nucleation. As a consequence, Li–S batteries with Co‐VC modified separator can sustain a stable operation over 700 cycles with negligible capacity decay at 1.0 C, and delivers an areal capacity of 9.0 mAh cm−2 and desired cyclic performance at a high sulfur loading of 7.6 mg cm−2 with a lean electrolyte dosage of 4.0 µL mgS−1 at 0.1 C. The work opens a new avenue for boosting atomic‐scale site design with the aid of 2D substrates toward pragmatic Li–S batteries.

High performance ultra-thin lithium metal anode enabled by vacuum thermal evaporation

The passivation layer that naturally forms on the lithium metal surface contributes to dendrite formation in lithium metal batteries by affecting lithium nucleation uniformity during charging. Herein, we propose using vacuum thermal evaporation to produce a high-performance ultra-thin lithium metal anode (≤25 µm) with a native layer much thinner than that of extruded lithium. The evaporated lithium metal shows significantly reduced charge-transfer resistance, resulting in uniform and dense lithium plating in both carbonate and ether electrolytes. This study reveals that the evaporated lithium metal outperforms the extruded version in ether electrolyte and with LiFePO4 cathodes, showing a 30% increase in cycle life. Additionally, when paired with LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 cathodes in carbonate electrolyte, the evaporated anode’s cycle life is tripled compared to the extruded lithium metal. This demonstrates that vacuum thermal evaporation is a viable method for producing ultra-thin lithium metal anodes that prevent dendrite growth due to their excellent surface condition.

On the role of ultrathin lithium metal anodes produced by thermal evaporation

Lithium metal anodes (LMAs) are the preferred option for the next generation of lithium batteries, where high energy density and longer cycle life are required. A new battery design eliminating the LMA in the discharged state provides the highest achievable energy density with reduced safety hazards, though irreversible Li losses impede the practical application of the anode-free concept. In this work, by using an ultrathin layer (<5 μm) of lithium, which is deposited by thermal evaporation on copper current collectors, a reduction on the energy barrier of lithium nucleation during the plating process is demonstrated. Furthermore, the metallic lithium deposited over the charge step provides a homogeneous layer, fairly reducing the dendritic growth and the generation of dead lithium. Finally, a functional solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with Li2O and LiOH as predominant species, gives greater protection to the anode/electrolyte interface, leading to a more stable cycling of the battery. These insights provide a solid starting point for future studies that may lead to practical design changes to improve stability and extend the battery life of lithium metal batteries.

Effect of Cycling on the Physical Properties of the Garnet Solid Electrolyte, LLZO

Solid-state energy storage is the future of high performance, high-energy-dense battery systems. A common solid electrolyte, argued to be viable for such a system is the ceramic garnet solid oxide solid electrolyte, LLZO. LLZO is preferred due to its high ionic conductivity and stability against lithium metal. To date, most mechano-electrochemical studies of this solid electrolyte only focus on the fabrication and cell performance of the solid electrolyte. For the first time, this work explores the effect cycling has on the physical properties of the LLZO solid electrolyte, where, after cycling, surface characterization is completed to understand the degradation effects of cycling, as well as the grain boundary-grain modifications that occur. Initial results indicate lithium nucleation in the grain boundaries occurs, where elemental mapping will allow for quantification of lithium concentration changes in the grain boundaries, indicating whether lithium exists in the grain as a pure metal or as an alloying compound. Indentation techniques are used to show that molecular stoichiometric changes of the solid electrolyte at the grain boundaries create a softer material, which would be more susceptible to dendrite protrusions, allowing for premature cell failure. This work provides valuable insight into the chemo-mechanical response of LLZO to lithium-ion migration across grain-grain boundary interfaces, helping guide materials engineering decisions for a more robust, electrochemically stable solid electrolyte. Figure 1

Boron-Doped Carbon Scaffold Hosts for Li Metal Batteries

Lithium metal anodes offer the promise of higher energy density batteries. However, the formation of lithium dendrites due to non-uniform plating and stripping of the lithium metal has proven to be a major hurdle for this technology, decreasing the lifetime of the device and causing safety hazards. Utilizing a carbon scaffold host for the lithium metal anode can limit dendrite formation by providing a more uniform electric field and numerous lithium nucleation sites to encourage uniform plating and stripping. In this poster, we present our work developing carbon scaffold hosts for lithium metal anodes. We synthesized scaffolds with various architectures and microstructures using different carbon materials. Our atomistic simulations demonstrated that the addition of boron to the carbon results in stronger binding of lithium to the carbon surface, further improving the lithiophilicity. Therefore, we also prepared boron-doped carbon scaffolds to test this experimentally. Boron was introduced using boric acid and incorporated into the carbon structure during carbonization under nitrogen, and these samples were characterized by XPS, SEM, and BET to try and correlate scaffold properties with performance. In addition, we are investigating other dopants (such as nitrogen), which have also been reported to increase the lithiophilicity of carbon materials. Utilizing these doped carbon scaffolds can help increase the lifetime of lithium metal batteries by improving the cycling uniformity.This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344

Acetonitrile-Based Local High-Concentration Electrolytes for Advanced Lithium Metal Batteries.

Acetonitrile (AN) is a compelling electrolyte solvent for high-voltage and fast-charging batteries, but its reductive instability makes it incompatible with lithium metal anodes (LMAs). Herein, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether (TTE) is used as the diluent to build an AN-based local high-concentration electrolyte (LHCE) to realize dense, dendrite-free, and stable LMAs. Such LHCE exhibits an exceptional electrochemical stability window close to 6V (vs Li+/Li), excellent wettability, and promising flame retardancy. Compared to a baseline carbonate-based electrolyte, its electrochemical performance is prominent: the overpotential of lithium nucleation is minimal (only 24mV), the average half-cell coulombic efficiency (CE) reaches 99.5% at 0.5mAcm-2, and its practicality in full cells with LiFePO4 (LFP) and LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cathodes is also demonstrated. Compounding factors are identified to decipher the superiority of the AN-based LHCE. From the respect of solvation structures, both the elimination of free AN molecule and the diluent separation would contribute to prevention of anodic AN decomposition. Based on cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) characterization and theoretical simulations results, the produced solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer is uniform and compact. Thus, this work demonstrates a successful application of AN-based electrolytes in LMAs-traditionally deemed impractical-via the combined regulation of solvation and SEI structures.

Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy and Electrochemical Atomic Force Microscopy Investigations of Lithium Nucleation and Growth: Influence of the Electrode Surface Potential.

Lithium metal is promising for high-capacity batteries because of its high theoretical specific capacity of 3860 mAh g-1 and low redox potential of -3.04 V versus the standard hydrogen electrode. However, it encounters challenges, such as dendrite formation, which poses risks of short circuits and safety hazards. This study examines Li deposition using electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). KPFM provides insights into local surface potential, while EC-AFM captures the surface response evolution to electrochemical reactions. We selectively removed metallic coatings from current collectors to compare lithium deposition on coated and exposed copper surfaces. Observations from the Ag-coated Cu (Ag/Cu), Pt-coated Cu (Pt/Cu), and Au-coated Cu (Au/Cu) samples revealed variations in lithium deposition. Ag/Cu and Au/Cu exhibited two-dimensional growth, whereas Pt/Cu exhibited three-dimensional growth, highlighting the impact of electrode materials on morphology. These insights advance the development of safer lithium metal batteries.

Defect-Mediated Faceted Lithium Nucleation on Carbon Composite Substrates.

The formation of uniform, nondendritic seeds is essential to realizing dense lithium (Li) metal anodes and long-life batteries. Here, we discover that faceted Li seeds with a hexagonal shape can be uniformly grown on carbon-polymer composite films. Our investigation reveals the critical role of carbon defects in serving as the nucleation sites for their formation. Tuning the density and spatial distribution of defects enables the optimization of conditions for faceted seed growth. Raman spectral results confirm that lithium nucleation indeed starts at the defect sites. The uniformly distributed crystalline seeds facilitate low-porosity Li deposition, effectively reducing Li pulverization during cycling and unlocking the fast-charging ability of Li metal batteries. At a 1 C rate, full cells using LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode (4.5 mA h cm-2) paired with a lithium anode grown on carbon composite films achieve a 313% improvement in cycle life compared to baseline cells. Polymer composites with carbonaceous materials rich in defects are scalable, low-cost substrates for high-rate, high-energy-density batteries.

Plasma-enhanced SnO2-x thin films on copper current collector for safer lithium metal batteries

Anode-free lithium batteries are a safer and lighter alternative, because they eliminate the traditional host anode for lithium ions, thereby enhancing energy density and reducing the battery weight. However, challenges like dendritic growth and electrolyte decomposition persist, affecting battery lifespan. Here, we present a scalable technique using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of a tin(IV) precursor to directly deposit an artificial solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on the copper current collector. The obtained SnO2-x coatings, modified by oxygen plasma, exhibited remarkable electrochemical properties. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is employed to examine the surface composition and impact of plasma treatment, while long-term cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirm battery durability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle measurements elucidate coating homogeneity, with lithium nucleation overpotential during first cycle providing further evidence for homogeneity during lithium de-/plating.

Organic nano carbon source inducing 3D silica nanoparticles-graphene nanosheet layer on Cu current collector for high-performance anode-free lithium metal batteries

Anode-free lithium metal batteries (AFLBs) have attracted considerable attention due to their high theoretical specific capacity and absence of Li. However, the heterogeneous Li deposition and stripping on the lithiophobic Cu collector hamper AFLBs in practice. To achieve a uniform and reversible Li deposition, a carbon-based layer on the Cu collector has attracted intense interest due to its high conductivity. However, the 2D single-component carbon-based interface is inadequate lithiophilic for obtaining the homogeneous Li deposition and preventing the lithium dendrite from piercing the separator. Herein, we present a 3D embedded lithiophilic SiO2 nanoparticles-graphene nanosheet matrix (SiO2@G-M) on the Cu collector by organic nano carbon source. In this structure, the lithiophilic SiO2 nanoparticles as active points promote the homogeneous lithium nucleation and the 3D graphene nanosheet matrix offers homogenous electron distribution and voids to prevent the piercing. Finally, SiO2@G-M/Li cell shows a high coulombic efficiency of 98.62 % after 100 cycles at a high current density of 2 mA cm−2 with an areal capacity of 1 mAh cm−2.

Two-dimensional MXene/MOFs heterojunction nanosheets as confinement hosts for dendrite-free lithium metal anodes

Although metallic lithium is regarded as the most potential anode candidate for next-generation batteries, its applications are greatly restricted by the uncontrollable growth of lithium dendrites and unstable anode/electrolyte interface. Herein, MXene/MOFs heterojunction nanosheets are developed through a convenient self-assembly process by harnessing the chemical interactions between MXene and Ni-MOFs monolayers. In this heterojunction, not only the MXene interlayer induces uniform lithium nucleation, but also MOFs monolayers act as stable interfaces to promote Li ion transport and homogenize the subsequent lithium deposition. Moreover, the MXene/MOFs substrate mitigates the volume change of lithium anodes. Consequently, 2D MXene/MOFs heterojunction nanosheets as confinement hosts effectively suppress lithium dendrites and exhibit enhanced electrochemical performances including a coulombic efficiency of 99 % over 300 cycles at 0.5 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2, and a long cycling life up to 500 h at 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2. The MXene/MOFs-Li||LiFePO4 cells exhibit a stable cycling performance with a capacity retention of 91 % after 600 cycles.

Coupling 3D vertical graphene skeleton with lithophilic ZnO Interface to enable highly stable lithium metal anode

Lithium metal has been considered as the most promising anode material for high energy density batteries owing to its high theoretical capacity and low reduction potential. Unfortunately, the uncontrollable growth of lithium dendrites and unrestrained volume expansion seriously hinder its practical applications. Designing 3D skeletons with high electronic conductivity, and superior lithophilicity to control the lithium plating/stripping process has been proven to be an effective strategy to alleviate these two issues. In this study, ZnO-decorated 3D vertical graphene skeleton (ZnO@VG) was developed as the host material to regulate lithium nucleation and dendrite growth. Attributing to the unique cavity arrangement, enlarged specific surface area, and numerous lithiophilic sites of ZnO@VG, a remarkable coulombic efficiency of 99.12 % after 350 cycles is achieved. Furthermore, symmetric cells based on ZnO@VG/Li electrodes demonstrate lower voltage polarization and enhanced cycling stability (over 1800 h) at 0.5 mA cm−2 and 1 mA h cm−2. Notably, when coupled with a LiFePO4 cathode, the full cell exhibits a discharge specific capacity of 100.33 mA h cm−2 at 5 C and maintains a high capacity retention of 89.1 % after 740 cycles at 1 C.

High-performance lithium metal anode enhanced by multifunctional film of PAN@AgNWs with antimicrobial activity

Lithium metal is expected to be the perfect anode material for the next generation of rechargeable batteries owing to its ultra-high theoretical specific capacity, low density and the lowest redox potential. However, the practical application of lithium metal batteries faces serious challenges, including uneven lithium deposition, negative electrode volume expansion, and short circuits brought by dendritic protrusions. Although the 3D structure of silver nanowires is effective in inhibiting lithium dendrite growth and lithium metal volume expansion, it still suffers from lithium inhomogeneity caused by uneven distribution of silver nanowires and complicated preparation. Therefore, PAN@AgNWs collector was prepared by a simple suction filtration method, and uniform dispersion of silver nanowires and uniform deposition of lithium were achieved. Lithium nucleation overpotential and lithium dendrite formation can be effectively reduced by PAN@AgNWs hosts due to the reduction of local current density by 3D collectors and the improved lithiophilicity of silver nanowires. With low voltage hysteresis, the symmetric battery constructed with its composite anode may cycle steadily for 4500 h at 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2. At the same time, the Li-PAN@AgNWs||LFP full cell still possesses a reversible of 144.18 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 1C. Moreover, due to large specific surface area and high surface energy of 3D silver nanowires, it exhibits excellent antimicrobial properties, with an inactivation efficiency of 96.3 % after contacting with E. coli for 2.5 h. This work shows the possibility of using PAN@AgNWs in a large scale for LMBs, and paves the way for development of high-performance antimicrobial materials.

Ultrauniform Plating of Lithium on 10-nm-Scale Ordered Carbon Grids for Long Lifespan Lithium Metal Batteries.

Tailorable lithium (Li) nucleation and uniform early-stage plating is essential for long-lifespan Li metal batteries. Among factors influencing the early plating of Li anode, the substrate is critical, but a fine control of the substrate structure on a scale of ≈10nm has been rarely achieved. Herein, a carbon consisting of ordered grids is prepared, as a model to investigate the effect of substrate structure on the Li nucleation. In contrast to the individual spherical Li nuclei formed on the flat graphene, an ultrauniform and nuclei-free Li plating is obtained on the ordered carbon with a grid size smaller than the thermodynamical critical radius of Li nucleation (≈26nm). Simultaneously, an inorganic-rich solid-electrolyte-interphase is promoted by the cross-sectional carbon layers of such ordered grids which are exposed to the electrolyte. Consequently, the carbon grids with a grid size of ≈10nm show a favorable cycling stability for more than 1100 cycles measured at 2mA cm-2 in a half cell. With LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 as cathode, the assembled full cell with a cathode capacity of 3 mAh cm-2 and a negative/positive ratio of 1.67 demonstrates a stable cycling for over 130 cycles with a capacity retention of 88%.

One-stone, two birds: One step regeneration of discarded copper foil in zinc battery for dendrite-free lithium deposition current collector

The ever-growing requirement for electrochemical energy storage has exacerbated the production of spent batteries, and the recycling of valuable battery components has recently received a remarkable attention. Among all battery components, copper foil is widely utilized as a current collector for stable zinc platting and stripping in zinc metal batteries (ZMBs) due to the perfect lattice matching of between metal copper and zinc, which is accompanied by the formation of multiple copper-zinc alloy components during the cycling process. Herein, a novel “two birds with one-stone” strategy through a one simple heat treatment step to revive the discarded copper foil in zinc metal battery is reported to further obtain a lithiophilic current collector (CuxZny-Cu) with multiple copper-zinc alloy components on the surface of the discarded copper foil. Such revived CuxZny-Cu current collector greatly reduces the lithium nucleation overpotential and realizes uniform lithium deposition and further inhibits lithium dendrites growth. The formed multiple CuxZny alloy phases on the surface of discarded copper foil exhibit a low Li nucleation overpotential of only 15 mV at 0.5 mA cm−2 for the first cycle. Moreover, such a CuxZny-Cu current collector could achieve stable cycle for 220 cycles at 0.5 mA cm−2 and 110 cycles at 1 mA cm−2 with a Li plating capacity of 1 mAh cm−2. Theoretical calculations indicate that, compared with pure Cu foil, the formed multiple alloy components of CuZn5, CuZn8, Cu0.61Zn0.39 and CuZn have low adsorption energy of −2.17, −2.55, −2.16 and −2.35 eV with lithium atoms, respectively, which result in reduced lithium nucleation overpotential. The full cell composed of CuxZny alloy current collector with deposition of 5 mAh cm−2 metal Li anode coupled with LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode exhibits a reversible capacity of 125.6 mAh/g after 110 cycles at a current of 0.5 C with capacity retention of 85.1 %. This work proposed a promising strategy to regenerate the discarded copper foil in rechargeable batteries.